Do Olympians get paid?

Olympic athletes do not receive any money from the International Olympic Committee, but some countries give athletes bonus pay for receiving a medal. In 2012, U.S. Olympians received $25,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Travel expenses for Olympic teams are often paid for by private investors and corporate donors. Corporate sponsorships are the only direct income received by Olympians. Sponsorships are typically only received by high-profile athletes who perform well in the games. Non-Olympic groups sometimes reward athletes in certain sports by providing a medal winner with a bonus amount set up through a fund.